Convertible carrel

ABSTRACT

A convertible carrel which includes a desk assembly and a carrel assembly. The desk assembly includes a first desktop, a first sidewall coupled to the first desktop, and a second sidewall coupled to the first desktop. The carrel assembly includes a second desktop, a first partition wall coupled to the second desktop, and a second partition wall coupled to the second desktop. The carrel assembly is rotatable relative to the desk assembly between: (1) an open position whereby the second desktop and the first and second partition walls extend vertically upward from the first desktop to form a privacy barrier; and (2) a closed position whereby the second desktop extends across and covers the first desktop and the first and second partition walls are hidden from view.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/127,167, filed Dec. 18, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Study carrels are used in shared environments such as classrooms, libraries, and workplaces, and provide partially enclosed workstations to limit distractions and help a user focus on solitary tasks. Often, these environments are multi-use, with both group and independent activities taking place. Therefore, it is desirable to have furniture in these environments which can accommodate both types of activity—tables which allow interactions between users as well as unobstructed lines of site to an instructor or audiovisual presentation, and carrels for independent work or test taking. Examples of furniture from prior art which can transform between these two use cases typically contain multiple moving parts and require multi-step processes to transition between uses.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a convertible carrel that can be converted from a first configuration which has the appearance of a carrel to a second configuration which has the appearance of a flat desk. A carrel is essentially a desk with a privacy barrier, such that the carrel looks like a cubicle. The invention described herein facilitates the ability to transition a working surface between a carrel and a traditional desktop as dictated by the user. The convertible carrel may have a desk assembly and a carrel assembly, such that the carrel assembly is rotatable relative to stationary desk assembly to transition the carrel assembly between open and closed positions.

In one aspect, the invention may be a convertible carrel comprising: a desk assembly comprising a first desktop, a first sidewall coupled to the first desktop, a second sidewall coupled to the first desktop, a first slot, and a second slot; a carrel assembly comprising a second desktop, a first partition wall coupled to the second desktop, and a second partition wall coupled to the second desktop; wherein the carrel assembly is rotatable relative to the desk assembly between: (1) an open position whereby the second desktop extends vertically upward relative to the first desktop along a rear edge of the first desktop and the first and second partition walls extend beyond top edges of the first and second sidewalls of the desk assembly, respectively; and (2) a closed position whereby the second desktop extends across and covers the first desktop and the first and second partition walls do not extend beyond the top edges of the first and second sidewalls of the desk assembly; and wherein the first and second partition walls pass through the first and second slots, respectively, as the carrel assembly is transitioned between the open and closed positions.

In another aspect, the invention may be a convertible carrel comprising: a desk assembly comprising a first desktop, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall, the first and second sidewalls being coupled to the first desktop; a carrel assembly comprising a second desktop, a first partition wall having a first hole, and a second partition wall having a second hole, the first and second partition walls being coupled to the second desktop; a cylindrical member coupled to the desk assembly and extending through the first and second holes in the first and second partition walls; wherein the carrel assembly is configured to rotate around the cylindrical member to transition between: (1) an open position whereby the second desktop and the first and second partition walls extend vertically upward relative to the first desktop to form a privacy barrier at least partially around the first desktop; and (2) a closed position whereby the second desktop covers the first desktop and the first and second partition walls are located below the second desktop adjacent to inner surfaces of the first and second sidewalls, respectively.

In yet another aspect, the invention may be a convertible carrel assembly comprising: a desk assembly comprising a first lower desktop, a second lower desktop, a first sidewall coupled to the first and second lower desktops, a second sidewall coupled to the first and second lower desktops, and a rear wall extending between the first and second sidewalls, each of the first and second sidewalls comprising a notch; a first carrel assembly comprising a first upper desktop, a first partition wall coupled to the first upper desktop, and a second partition wall coupled to the first upper desktop; a second carrel assembly comprising a second upper desktop, a third partition wall coupled to the second upper desktop, and a fourth partition wall coupled to the second upper desktop; wherein the first carrel assembly is configured to rotate relative to the first lower desktop to transition between: (1) an open position wherein the first lower desktop forms a first work surface and the first carrel assembly forms a privacy barrier with a rear edge of the first upper desktop nesting within the notch in the first and second sidewalls of the desk assembly; and (2) a closed position wherein the first upper desktop of the first carrel assembly forms the first work surface; and wherein the second carrel assembly is configured to rotate relative to the second lower desktop to transition between: (1) an open position wherein the second lower desktop forms a second work surface and the second carrel assembly forms a privacy barrier with a rear edge of the second upper desktop nesting within the notch in the first and second sidewalls of the desk assembly; and (2) a closed position wherein the first upper desktop forms the second work surface.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a convertible carrel in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the convertible carrel of FIG. 1 in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the convertible carrel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a planar cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a planar cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 2 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a convertible carrel assembly which includes two convertible carrels in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the convertible carrel assembly of FIG. 8 with the two convertible carrels in an open position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of three of the convertible carrel assemblies of FIG. 8 coupled together, with the convertible carrels in the closed position; and

FIG. 11 is the perspective view of FIG. 9 with the convertible carrels in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 concurrently, a convertible carrel 100 will be described in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The convertible carrel 100 generally comprises two assemblies that are coupled together so that one of the assemblies can rotate relative to the other to transition the convertible carrel 100 between the open and closed positions. In particular, the convertible carrel 100 generally comprises a desk assembly 200 and a carrel assembly 300. The desk assembly 200 is generally stationary as the convertible carrel 100 is transitioned between the open and closed positions. The carrel assembly 300 is the assembly that rotates or moves to transition the convertible carrel 100 between the open and closed positions. FIG. 1 illustrates the convertible carrel 100 (or the carrel assembly 300 thereof) in a closed position whereas FIG. 2 illustrates the convertible carrel (or the carrel assembly 300 thereof) in an open position.

The desk assembly 200 generally comprises a first desktop 210, a first sidewall 220, a second sidewall 230, and a rear wall 240. The first desktop 210 comprises an upper surface 211 and a lower surface 212, a front edge 213, a rear edge 214, a first side edge 215, and a second side edge 216. The first desktop 210 comprises a first tab 218 located along the first side edge 215 and a second tab 219 located along the second side edge 216. Specifically, the first tab 218 protrudes somewhat from a remainder of the first side edge 215 and the second tab 219 protrudes somewhat from a remainder of the second side edge 216. The first and second tabs 218, 219 are located adjacent to the front edge 213 of the first desktop 210 in the exemplified embodiment. The desk assembly 200 may also comprise a front lip 217 which protrudes downwardly from the first desktop 210 along the front edge 213 of the first desktop 210. The upper surface 211 of the first desktop 210 forms the working surface of the convertible carrel 100 when the convertible carrel 100 (or the carrel assembly 300 thereof) is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 2.

The first desktop 210 is coupled to each of the first and second sidewalls 220, 230. In the exemplified embodiment, the first desktop 210 may be coupled to each of the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 using cam fasteners. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and other fasteners or techniques can be used in other embodiments, including using screws, nails, mortise and tenon joints along with an adhesive such as wood glue, or the like. When the first desktop 210 is coupled to the first and second sidewalls 220, 230, the first tab 218 abuts against an inner surface 221 of the first sidewall 220 and the second tab 219 abuts against an inner surface 231 of the second sidewall 230. Because the first tab 218 sticks out from the first side edge 215 of the first desktop 210, the remainder of the first side edge 215 is spaced apart from the inner surface 221 of the first sidewall 220, thereby forming a first slot 222 between the first side edge 215 of the first desktop 210 and the inner surface 221 of the first sidewall 220. Similarly, because the second tab 219 sticks out from the second side edge 216 of the first desktop 210, the remainder of the second side edge 216 is spaced apart from the inner surface 231 of the second sidewall 230, thereby forming a second slot between the second side edge 216 of the first desktop 210 and the inner surface 231 of the second sidewall 230. The second slot is not visible in the provided views, but it should be appreciated that the second slot is identical to the first slot 222, except it is located on the opposite side of the first desktop 210.

While the first and second slots 222 are formed due to the shape of the first desktop 210 in the exemplified embodiment, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments. In an alternative embodiment, the slots could be cut-outs formed into the first desktop 210 which extend from the upper surface 211 to the lower surface 212. Thus, in some embodiments the desk assembly 200 comprises the first and second slots 222 and they can be formed in various different ways as would be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

The first sidewall 220 comprises the inner surface 221, a top edge 223, a bottom edge 224, a front edge 225, and a rear edge 226. A first front leg 250 is coupled to the first sidewall 220 at the front edge 225 thereof. A first rear leg 251 is coupled to the first sidewall 220 at the rear edge 226 thereof. The first sidewall 220 comprises a first notch 227 formed into the top and rear edges 223, 226. The first rear leg 251 is aligned with the first notch 227 and terminates at the floor of the first notch 227, and thus the first rear leg 251 is shorter than the first front leg 250. The first sidewall 220 comprises a recess or pocket 228 formed into the inner surface 221 in a corner thereof that is adjacent to the top edge 223 and to the rear edge 226. That is, the recess 228 is located adjacent to the notch 227. Stated another way, the recess 228 is in the top rear corner of the first sidewall 220. The recess 228 forms a pocket, but not an aperture, in the inner surface 221 of the first sidewall 220 in the exemplified embodiment. It may be possible for the recess 228 to form an aperture or through-hole in other embodiments.

The second sidewall 230 comprises the inner surface 231, a top edge 233, a bottom edge 234, a front edge 235, and a rear edge 235. A second front leg 252 is coupled to the second sidewall 230 at the front edge 235 thereof. A second rear leg 253 is coupled to the second sidewall 230 at the rear edge 236 thereof. The second sidewall 230 comprises a second notch 237 formed into the top and rear edges 233, 236. The second rear leg 253 is aligned with the second notch 237 and terminates at the floor of the second notch 237, and thus the second rear leg 253 is shorter than the second front leg 252. The second sidewall 230 comprises a recess or pocket formed into the inner surface 231 in a corner thereof that is adjacent to the top edge 233 and to the rear edge 236. The recess of the second sidewall 230 is located in the top rear corner of the second sidewall 230. The recess of the second sidewall 230 is not visible in the provided figures, but it should be appreciated that it is positioned in the same position on the second sidewall 230 as the recess 228 is positioned along the first sidewall 220. While the recess on the second sidewall 230 is a pocket in the exemplified embodiment, it could be an aperture or through-hole in other embodiments.

The rear wall 240 is coupled to and extends between the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 adjacent to the rear edges 225, 235 of the first and second sidewalls 220, 230. The rear wall 240 increases structural rigidity of the desk assembly 200, but also plays a role in the transitioning of the carrel assembly 300 between the open and closed positions, as will be described in greater detail below. In the exemplified embodiment, a footrest 260 is coupled to and protrudes from a front surface 241 of the rear wall 240. The footrest is also coupled directly to the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 in the exemplified embodiment using fasteners or the like to further increase structural rigidity of the desk assembly 200, although this is not required in all embodiments. In fact, the footrest 260 could be omitted in alternative embodiments.

The first desktop 210, the first sidewall 220, the second sidewall 230, and the rear wall 240 may be formed from wood, engineered wood, wood laminate, fiberboard, or the like in various different embodiments. The legs 250-253 may be formed from metal such as aluminum, or they may also be formed from the same material as the desktop and sidewalls as noted above. In some embodiments, combinations of wood (real or engineered, and including fiberboard or the like) and metal (such as aluminum) may be used to form the various components of the desk assembly 200.

Having described the desk assembly 200, the carrel assembly 300 will now be described. It should be understood that during use of the convertible carrel 100, the carrel assembly 300 rotates or moves while the desk assembly 200 remains stationary to transition the convertible carrel 100 between the open and closed positions. Thus, the desk assembly 200 is intended to be a structurally stable assembly, which is achieved by coupling the first desktop 210 to each of the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 while also coupling the rear wall 240 to each of the first and second sidewalls 220, 230. Attaching the footrest 260 to the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 further increases the stability of the desk assembly 200. The carrel assembly 300 is indirectly coupled to the desk assembly 200 (via a cylindrical member 500) and is configured to rotate relative to the desk assembly 200, as described in further detail below.

The carrel assembly 300 generally comprises a second desktop 310, a first partition wall 320, and a second partition wall 330. The second desktop 310 comprises a lower surface 311 and an upper surface 312. The upper surface 312 of the second desktop 310 forms the working surface of the convertible carrel 100 when the carrel assembly 300 is in the closed position as depicted in FIG. 1. The lower surface 311 of the second desktop 310 faces the user when the carrel assembly 300 is in the open position as depicted in FIG. 2. There are bumpers 315 positioned on the lower surface 311 of the second desktop 310 in the exemplified embodiment, which are included to provide cushioning as the carrel assembly 300 is transitioned from the open position of FIG. 2 to the closed position of FIG. 1. Thus, the bumpers 315 may prevent abrasion from marring of the lower surface 311 of the second desktop 310 while it is closed. Of course, the bumpers 315 may be omitted or positioned at other locations along the second desktop 310 or even along the tops of the front legs 250, 252 or the top edges 223, 233 of the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 in other embodiments.

The first and second partition walls 320, 330 are coupled to and protrude from the lower surface 311 of the second desktop 310. The first and second partition walls 320, 330 are in the shape of a quarter circle in the exemplified embodiment. Thus, the first and second partition walls 320, 330 comprise linear upper edge portions 321, 331, linear lower edge portions 322, 332, and rounded edge portions 323, 333 that extend between the upper and lower edge portions 321, 331, 322, 332. The upper and lower edge portions 321, 322 of the first partition wall 320 meet or intersect at a corner that is adjacent to the second desktop 310. The upper and lower edges 331, 332 of the second partition wall 320 meet or intersect at a corner that is adjacent to the second desktop 310. The upper edge portions 321, 331 are coupled directly to the lower surface 311 of the second desktop 310. In the exemplified embodiment, the first and second partition walls 320, 330 may be coupled to the second desktop 310 using mortise and tenon joints along with adhesive such as wood glue. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the first and second partition walls 320, 330 may be coupled to the second desktop 310 using other techniques, including other styles of joints, and/or fasteners such as cam fasteners, screws, nails, or the like. The second desktop 310 comprises a front edge 313, a first side edge 314, and a second side edge 315.

The first partition wall 320 is positioned adjacent to the first side edge 314 of the second desktop 310 and the second partition wall 330 is positioned adjacent to the second side edge 315 of the second desktop 310. However, in the exemplified embodiment the first partition wall 320 is set slightly inward of the first side edge 314 and the second partition wall 330 is set slightly inward of the second side edge 315. The exact positioning of the first and second partition walls 320, 330 relative to the first and second side edges 314, 315 of the second desktop 310 should not be limiting of the invention unless specifically claimed as such. However, it is preferable that the first and second partition walls 320, 330 be positioned quite close to the first and second side edges 314, 315, respectively, to maximize usable surface area of the first desktop 210 when the carrel assembly 300 is in the open position.

The first partition wall 320 comprises a first hole 325 that extends through the thickness of the first partition wall 320 (i.e., between inner and outer surfaces) in a position adjacent to the intersection between the upper and lower edge portions 321, 322. That is, the upper and lower edge portions 321, 322 of the first partition wall 320 intersect at a corner (which may be a rounded corner or a sharp corner), and the first hole 325 is positioned adjacent to that corner. Similarly, the second partition wall 330 comprises a second hole 335 that extends through the thickness of the second partition wall 330 (i.e., between inner and outer surfaces) in a position adjacent to the intersection between the upper and lower edge portions 331, 332. That is, the upper and lower edge portions 331, 332 of the second partition wall 330 intersect at a corner (which may be a rounded corner or a sharp corner), and the second hole 335 is positioned adjacent to that corner. The first and second holes 325, 335 are formed through the first and second partition walls 320, 330 at positioned that are adjacent to the lower surface 311 of the second desktop 310.

The carrel assembly 300 further comprises a stretcher beam 340 which is affixed to the inner surfaces of each of the first and second partition walls 320, 330. Thus, the stretcher beam 340 is coupled to and extends between the first and second partition walls 320, 330. The stretcher beam 340 is coupled to the first and second partition walls 320, 330 at a position adjacent to or along the lower edge portions 322, 332, but closer to the rounded edge portions 323, 333 than to the second desktop 310. The stretcher beam 340 is positioned below/beneath the first desktop 210 of the desk assembly 200 when the carrel assembly 300 is in both its open and closed positions. The stretcher beam 340 provides some structural rigidity to the carrel assembly 300 by affixing the two partition walls 320, 330 to one another, and also serves another purpose with regard to damping during opening and closing of the carrel assembly 300 as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. That is, a damping device 400 is coupled to the rear wall 240 of the desk assembly 200 and to the stretcher beam 340 of the carrel assembly 300, which is barely visible in FIG. 3 and more visible in FIGS. 4 and 5. In the exemplified embodiment, the stretcher beam 340 is coupled to each of the first and second partition walls 320, 330 via brackets. However, the stretcher beam 340 could be coupled to the first and second partition walls 320, 330 using other techniques, such as cam fasteners, screws, nails, joints along with adhesive, or the like.

The convertible carrel 100 further comprises a cylindrical member 500 around which the carrel assembly 300 rotates when transitioning between the open and closed positions. The cylindrical member 500 may be a hollow tubular member, or it may be a solid member. Furthermore, the cylindrical member 500 may be formed out of metal, such as aluminum, although the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments. The cylindrical member 500 comprises a first end 501 which nests within the recess 228 in the inner surface 221 of the first sidewall 220 of the desk assembly 200 and a second end 502 which nests within the recess (not visible) in the inner surface 231 of the second sidewall 230 of the desk assembly 200. Thus, the cylindrical member 500 is held in place between the first and second sidewalls 220, 230. The rear edge 214 of the first desktop 210 of the desk assembly 200 may also be affixed directly to the cylindrical member 500 using fasteners, such as screws. In FIG. 4 there are holes illustrated in the cylindrical member 500 where screws (e.g., woodscrews) can be inserted for attaching the rear edge 214 of the first desktop 210 to the cylindrical member 500. The cylindrical member 500 is of a length that allows it to nest within the recesses 228 in the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 while spanning the distance between the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 so that the cylindrical member 500 is held securely in position between the first and second sidewalls 220, 230. The cylindrical member 500 may be coupled to the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 using fasteners or adhesive, although this is not necessary in all embodiments.

The cylindrical member 500 also extends through the first and second holes 325, 335 in the first and second partition walls 320, 330 of the carrel assembly 300. Thus, the cylindrical member 500 indirectly couples the carrel assembly 300 to the desk assembly 200. The longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member 500 forms the rotational axis of the carrel assembly 300 as the carrel assembly 300 transitions between the open and closed positions. That is, because the cylindrical member 500 is fixed in place by being sandwiched between the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 of the desk assembly 200 and being fixedly coupled to the first desktop 210 of the desk assembly 200, the carrel assembly 300 can rotate around the cylindrical member 500.

Finally, the convertible carrel 100 comprises a first flanged bushing 510 and a second flanged bushing 520. The first flanged bushing 510 comprises a first flange portion 511 and the second flanged bushing 520 comprises a second flange portion 521. The first flanged bushing 510 is positioned within the first hole 325 in the first partition wall 320 so as to surround a portion of the cylindrical member 500. The second flanged bushing 520 is positioned within the second hole 335 in the second partition wall 330 so as to surround a portion of the cylindrical member 500. Moreover, when the convertible carrel 100 is fully assembled, the first flange portion 511 is sandwiched between the first partition wall 320 of the carrel assembly 300 and the first sidewall 220 of the desk assembly 200. Similarly, the second flange portion 521 is sandwiched between the second partition wall 330 of the carrel assembly 300 and the second sidewall 230 of the desk assembly 200. The flange portions 511, 521 of the first and second flanged bushings 510, 520 keep the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 of the desk assembly 200 spaced away from the first and second partition walls 320, 330 of the carrel assembly 300 in order to prevent them from touching and rubbing against each other during the transitioning of the carrel assembly 300 between the open and closed positions.

Each of the first and second flanged bushings 510, 520 is formed from a self-lubricating material to reduce friction as the carrel assembly 300 is rotated as described herein. One example of such a self-lubricating material is iglide® G300 made by igus®. However, the invention is not to be limited to this specific material and the first and second flanged bushings 510, 520 may be made from other known self-lubricating materials in other embodiments.

Due to the arrangement of the various components described herein, the carrel assembly 300 is configured to rotate about a rotational axis A-A which is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member 500. In particular, when the carrel assembly 300 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 1, a user may apply an upward force onto the front edge 313 of the second desktop 310 of the carrel assembly 300 to cause the carrel assembly 300 to rotate about the rotational axis A-A and transition into the open state. Similarly, when the carrel assembly 300 is in the open position as shown in FIG. 2, a user may apply a downward rotational force onto the second desktop 310 of the carrel assembly 300 to cause the carrel assembly 300 to rotate about the rotational axis A-A and transition into the closed state.

When the carrel assembly 300 is in the open position (FIG. 2), a rear portion of the second desktop 310 of the carrel assembly 300 nests within the notches 227, 237 of the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 of the desk assembly 200, as best shown in FIG. 2. Thus, the notches 227, 237 in the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 of the desk assembly 200 are configured to receive the portion of second desktop 310 of the carrel assembly 300 which extends past the pivot point when the carrel assembly 300 is rotated into the open position. Thus, the notches 227, 237 allow for the greatest possible work surface and, if placed against a wall, minimize the gap between the second desktop 310 and the wall.

When the carrel assembly 300 is in the open position, the second desktop 310 extends vertically upward relative to the first desktop 210 adjacent to the rear edge 214 of the first desktop. Furthermore, the first and second partition walls 320, 330 extend vertically upward beyond the top edges 223, 233 of the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 of the desk assembly 200. The first and second partition walls 320, 330 are spaced inward of the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 so they do not extend directly from the first and second sidewalls 220, 230. The second desktop 310 and the first and second partition walls 320, 330 forms a privacy barrier for a user when the carrel assembly 300 is in the open position. Furthermore, in this position the first desktop 210 of the desk assembly 200 forms the working surface of the convertible carrel 100 upon which a user can place items such as a laptop, papers, books, or the like. Furthermore, when the carrel assembly 300 is in the open position, a lower edge portion of the first partition wall 320 is located within the first slot 222 and a lower edge portion of the second partition wall 330 is located within the second slot. By always keeping a part of the partition walls 320, 330 in the slots 222, there is no concern that the first and second partition walls 320, 330 will come out of alignment with the slots 222, which could cause an issue for a user trying to transition the carrel assembly 300 from the open position to the closed position.

When the carrel assembly 300 is in the closed position (FIG. 1), the second desktop 310 extends across and covers the first desktop 210 of the desk assembly 200. However, the second desktop 310 is maintained spaced apart from the first desktop 210 because the lower surface 311 of the second desktop 310 rests atop of the top edges 223, 233 of the first and second sidewalls 220, 230, which are elevated relative to the upper surface 211 of the first desktop 210 of the desk assembly 200. This prevents scratching of the first and second desktops 210, 310 when the carrel assembly 300 is in the closed position. Thus, the second desktop 310 is not in surface contact with the first desktop 210 even when the carrel assembly 300 is in the closed position. When the carrel assembly 300 is in the closed position, the upper surface 312 of the second desktop 310 is exposed and forms the working surface of the convertible carrel 100 upon which a user's papers, computer, or other items may be placed.

Furthermore, when the carrel assembly 300 is in the closed position, the first and second partition walls 320, 330 are positioned below the second desktop 310 adjacent to the inner surfaces of the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 of the desk assembly 200. That is, the first and second partition walls 320, 330 do not protrude or extend beyond the top surfaces 223, 233 of the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 of the desk assembly 200 when the carrel assembly 300 is in the closed position. Rather, the first and second partition walls 320, 330 are located adjacent to the inner surfaces of the respective one of the first and second sidewalls 220, 230 of the desk assembly 200. Moreover, when the carrel assembly 300 is in the closed position, an upper edge portion of the first and second partition walls 320, 330 remains located within the first and second slots 222, respectively. That is, because the first and second desktops 210, 310 are maintained spaced from one another and the first and second partition walls 320, 330 are coupled directly to the lower surface 311 of the second desktop 310, a portion of the first and second partition walls 320, 330 remains located within the first and second slots 222. The first and second partition walls 320, 330 pass through the first and second slots 222, respectively, as the carrel assembly 300 transitions between the open and closed positions.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the convertible carrel 100 comprises a damping device 400 that prevents the carrel assembly 300 from slamming or moving too quickly as it transitions to the open/closed positions while also assisting in the lift of the carrel assembly 300 from the closed position to the open position. The damping device 400 is coupled at one end to the rear wall 240 of the desk assembly 200 and at its other end to a lower surface of the stretcher beam 340 of the carrel assembly 300, thereby allowing the damping device 400 to control the opening and closing of the carrel assembly 300 as described below.

In the exemplified embodiment, the damping device 400 is a gas-spring device. More specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the damping device 400 is a gas-spring device of a type known in the art which provides a push-out force and end-damping at both ends of its stroke. Thus, during transition from the closed position to the open position, after lifting the second desktop 310 a few inches, the gas springs of the damping device 400 will take over and complete the transition to the open position without continued user applied force. Furthermore, during transitioning from the open position to the closed position, a user simply pulls on the second desktop 310 and lets the dampening springs of the damping device 400 smoothly drop the second desktop 310 into place in the closed position. While a gas spring has been described here as the preferred embodiment of the damping device 400, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the damping device 400 may take on other forms, including being one of a rotary damper, a linear damper, one or more latches, or the like. Furthermore, the exact locations of attachment between the damping device 400 and the desk and carrel assemblies 200, 300 may be modified from that shown, one example of which is shown and described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Due to the existence of the damping device 400, as the carrel assembly 300 transitions from closed to open, the damping device 400 helps to push the carrel assembly 300 towards the open position, and then applies a damping force to prevent the carrel assembly 300 from slamming open. Thus, a user may need to only lift the carrel assembly 300 a few inches upwardly, and then the damping device 400 may take over and fully open the carrel assembly 300 while also applying the damping force at the end of the rotation to prevent slamming. Similarly, when the carrel assembly 300 transitions from open to closed, the damping device 400 supports the weight of the carrel assembly 300 as it closes, and then applies a damping force to prevent the carrel assembly 300 from slamming closed. That is, a user will pull on the back and let the gravity facilitate the transition of the carrel assembly 300 from the open position to the closed position, with the damping device 400 adding a level of control to the transition and preventing the carrel assembly 300 from slamming into the closed position.

As mentioned above, the damping device 400 is coupled to the rear wall 240 of the desk assembly 200 and to the stretcher beam 340 of the carrel assembly 300. When the carrel assembly 300 is in the closed position, the damping device 400 is in a retracted state (see FIG. 4). When the carrel assembly 300 is in the open position, the damping device 400 is in an expanded state (see FIG. 5).

In the closed position, the weight of the carrel assembly 300 applies more force than damping device 400 can lift on its own, therefore the carrel assembly 300 remains in a closed position. As the user lifts the front edge 313 of the second desktop 310 of the carrel assembly 300, the push-out force of the damping device 400 begins to take on some of the load and provide assistance in lifting. When the second desktop 310 of the carrel assembly 300 reaches an angle of approximately 30° relative to first desktop 210 of the desk assembly 200, the damping device 400 is able to lift the full weight of the carrel assembly 300 and push it into the fully open position seen in FIG. 5, where the second desktop 310 of the carrel assembly 300 is at an angle of 90° relative to first desktop 210 of the desk assembly 200 and damping device 400 is fully extended.

During the action of opening, when the second desktop 310 reaches an angle of approximately 75° relative to first desktop 210, the damping device 400 applies a damping force to counteract its push-out force and prevent the rotating carrel assembly 300 from slamming open with more force than desired. Similarly, during the action of closing, when the second desktop 310 is it an angle of approximately 30° relative to first desktop 210, the damping device 400 applies a damping force to prevent the rotating carrel assembly 300 from slamming closed with more force than desired.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an alternative embodiment of a convertible carrel 100 a is illustrated. The convertible carrel 100 a is very similar to the convertible carrel 100 and only the differences between the convertible carrel 100 a and the convertible carrel 100 will be described. It should be appreciated that for all other features of the convertible carrel 100 a, the description above is applicable.

The convertible carrel 100 a comprises a desk assembly 200 a and a carrel assembly 300 a that are coupled together in much the same way as those same components of the convertible carrel 100. The desk assembly 200 a comprises a first desktop 210 a, a rear wall 240 a, first and second sidewalls 220 a (only the first sidewall is visible in the provided view), legs 250 a, and a footrest 260 a. The carrel assembly 300 a comprises a second desktop 310 a, a first partition wall 320 a, and a second partition wall (not shown in the view provided, but identical to the second partition wall 330 of the carrel assembly 300 described above). The desk and carrel assemblies 200 a, 300 a are assembled together and coupled to one another in the same manner as described above with reference to the desk and carrel assemblies 200, 300.

The carrel assembly 300 a comprises a stretcher beam 340 a that extends between the first and second partition walls 320 a. However, the stretcher beam 340 a is positioned more rearward along the first and second partition walls 320 a than with the prior described embodiment. The convertible carrel 100 a comprises a damping device 400 a that operates the same as the damping device 400 described above. The description of the damping device 400 described above is applicable to the damping device 400 a, except for the attachment location. That is, the damping device 400 a is coupled to the rear wall 240 a of the desk assembly 200 a at one end and to the first partition wall 320 a of the carrel assembly 300 a at its opposite end. Thus, rather than being coupled to the stretcher beam 340 a as with the prior embodiment, the damping device 400 a is coupled to the first partition wall 320 a. Moreover, while only a single damping device 400 a is shown in the provided views, there may be multiple damping devices 400 a such that one damping device 400 a is coupled to the rear wall 240 a of the desk assembly 200 a and to the first partition wall 320 a of the carrel assembly 300 a and another damping device (not visible) is coupled to the rear wall 240 a of the desk assembly 200 a and to the second partition wall (not visible) of the carrel assembly 300 a. The damping device 400 a is coupled to the first partition wall 320 a along a lower edge portion 322 a thereof, which is the portion that remains below the first desktop 210 a of the desktop assembly 200 a in both the open and closed positions.

In this embodiment, there is also a linear damper 410 a that is coupled to the first and second partition walls 320 a (as noted above, only the first partition wall 320 a is visible in the provided views, but an identical linear damper may be located on the second partition wall as well). The linear damper 410 a may be embedded in an edge of the first partition wall 320a located along the lower edge portion 322 a thereof. In the exemplified embodiment, the linear damper 410 a is located behind the bracket that attaches the damping device 400 a to the first partition wall 310 a. The linear damper 410 a serves a similar function to the damping device 400 (or the damper built into the gas spring), by adding a supplementary force to improve the soft close action of the carrel assembly 300 a as it transitions from the open position to the closed position. In particular, as the carrel assembly 300 a transitions to the closed position, the linear damper 410 a contacts the rear wall 240 a of the desk assembly 200 a and provides a small amount of resistance as the linear damper 410 a is compressed. This further slows the movement of the carrel assembly 300 a and prevents the carrel assembly 300 a from slamming as it transitions into the closed position. Depending on the length of the linear damper 410 a, the linear damper 410 a may only engage the rear wall 240 a during the last 5°-10° of rotation of the carrel assembly 300 a.

Other than the different connection location for the damping device 400 a, the addition of a duplicative damping device, the addition of the one or more linear dampers 410 a, and the location of the stretcher beam 340, the convertible carrel 100 a is identical to the convertible carrel 100 and the discussion of the convertible carrel 100 provided above is applicable to the convertible carrel 100 a.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a convertible carrel assembly 600 which is a single unit with a desk assembly 610 and two rotating carrel assemblies 620, 630 that are configured to rotate relative to the desk assembly 610 independently of one another. FIG. 8 illustrates the two rotating carrel assemblies 620, 630 in the closed position and FIG. 9 illustrates the two rotating carrel assemblies 620, 630 in the open position. It should be appreciated that one of the rotating carrel assemblies 620, 630 may be in the open position while the other of the rotating carrel assemblies 620, 630 is in the closed position. This unit is constructed in a similar manner to the single carrel unit, with some modifications to the desk assembly 610 to enable it to accommodate two distinct and independently rotating carrel assemblies 620, 630. In particular, many of the components of the desk assembly 610 are shared among the two rotating carrel assemblies 610, 620. That is, the desk assembly 610 comprises a singular rear wall 640, a first sidewall 611, and a second sidewall 612 that are shared between the two carrel assemblies 620, 630. Thus, the first and second sidewalls 611, 612 span the full length of the convertible carrel assembly 600. The desk assembly 610 comprises two separate lower desktops, one aligned with each of the two independent carrel assemblies 620, 630. One of the lower desktops 615 is visible in FIG. 9 and the other is not visible in the provided view, but its structure and features should be readily understood from the full description set forth herein.

The carrel assembly 620 comprises a first upper desktop 621 and first and second partition walls 622, 623. The carrel assembly 630 comprises a second upper desktop 631 and first and second partition walls 632, 633. The carrel assemblies 620, 630 are identical to the carrel assembly 300 described above, and thus the carrel assemblies 620, 630 will not be described in further detail herein in the interest of brevity, it being understood that the description above is applicable. Each of the carrel assemblies 620, 630 is coupled to the singular desk assembly 610 using the cylindrical members as described above. The difference is that in this embodiment there are two cylindrical members, one for each rotating carrel assembly 620, 630. As with the prior embodiment, the first sidewall 611 comprises a first notch (not visible, but identical the second notch in both size and location) and the second sidewall 612 comprises a notch 613. The notch 613 is wider than the notch of the prior described embodiments because it is designed or configured to receive the second desktops 621, 631 from both of the first and second carrel assemblies 620, 630 simultaneously, as shown in FIG. 9.

The other features of the convertible carrel 100 as described above are also applicable to this embodiment, including the inclusion of the damping device, the slots, the footrest, the stretcher beam, the cylindrical member, and the like. Each of the carrel assemblies 620, 630 may be separately coupled to the rear wall 640 via a distinct damping device. In particular, the carrel assembly 620 may be coupled to a first surface of the rear wall 640 with a damping device which extends between a stretcher beam of the carrel assembly 620 and the first surface of the rear wall 640. Similarly, the carrel assembly 630 may be coupled to a second surface of the rear wall 640 with a damping device which extends between a stretcher beam of the carrel assembly 630 and the second surface of the rear wall 640.

A typical use case is illustrated in FIG. 10, showing multiple of the convertible carrel assemblies 600 of FIGS. 8 and 9 (also referred to as double-carrel units) coupled together to create a large table when all carrel assemblies are closed. FIG. 11 shows the same attached convertible carrel assemblies 600 with all carrels open. It should be noted that any one of the carrel units can be opened or closed at any given time, independent of the others.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A convertible carrel comprising: a desk assembly comprising a first desktop, a first sidewall coupled to the first desktop, a second sidewall coupled to the first desktop, a first slot, and a second slot; a carrel assembly comprising a second desktop, a first partition wall coupled to the second desktop, and a second partition wall coupled to the second desktop; wherein the carrel assembly is rotatable relative to the desk assembly between: (1) an open position whereby the second desktop extends vertically upward relative to the first desktop adjacent to a rear edge of the first desktop and the first and second partition walls extend beyond top edges of the first and second sidewalls of the desk assembly, respectively; and (2) a closed position whereby the second desktop extends across and covers the first desktop and the first and second partition walls do not extend beyond the top edges of the first and second sidewalls of the desk assembly; and wherein the first and second partition walls pass through the first and second slots, respectively, as the carrel assembly transitions between the open and closed positions.
 2. The convertible carrel according to claim 1 further comprising a cylindrical member extending between the first and second sidewalls of the desk assembly, the cylindrical member extending between the first and second partition walls of the carrel assembly and passing through a first hole in the first partition wall and a second hole in the second partition wall to indirectly couple the carrel assembly to the desk assembly, and wherein the carrel assembly rotates around the cylindrical member when transitioning between the open and closed positions.
 3. The convertible carrel according to claim 2 wherein a first end of the cylindrical member nests within a first recess in the first sidewall and a second end of the cylindrical member nests within a second recess in the second sidewall, and wherein a rear edge of the first desktop is coupled to the cylindrical member.
 4. The convertible carrel according to claim 3 further comprising: a first flanged bushing positioned around a first portion of the cylindrical member and disposed within the first hole in the first partition wall, a first flange of the first flanged bushing sandwiched between the first sidewall of the desktop assembly and the first partition wall of the carrel assembly to maintain a space between the first partition wall and the first sidewall; and a second flanged bushing positioned around a second portion of the cylindrical member and disposed within the second hole in the second partition wall, a second flange of the second flanged bushing sandwiched between the second sidewall of the desktop assembly and the second partition wall of the carrel assembly to maintain a space between the second partition wall and the second sidewall.
 5. The convertible carrel according to claim 2 wherein the desk assembly and the cylindrical member are stationary as the carrel assembly rotates between the open and closed positions, and wherein when the carrel assembly is in the open position an upper surface of the first desktop of the desk assembly is exposed and forms a working surface of the convertible carrel, and wherein when the carrel assembly is in the closed position the second desktop extends over the first desktop in a spaced apart manner and an upper surface of the second desktop forms the working surface of the convertible carrel.
 6. The convertible carrel according to claim 1 wherein the desk assembly further comprises a rear wall that is coupled to and extends between the first and second sidewalls, wherein the carrel assembly further comprises a stretcher beam that is coupled to and extends between the first and second partition walls, and wherein the stretcher beam is located below the first desktop of the desk assembly when the carrel assembly is in both of the open and closed positions.
 7. The convertible carrel according to claim 1 further comprising at least one damping device coupled to the desk assembly and to the carrel assembly, wherein the damping device transitions from a retracted state to an expanded state as the carrel assembly transitions from the closed position to the open position and the damping device transitions from the expanded state to the retracted state as the carrel assembly transitions from the open position to the closed position to prevent the carrel assembly from slamming as it transitions into either of the open and closed positions.
 8. The convertible carrel according to claim 1 wherein the carrel assembly transitions from the open position to the closed position in response to a downward rotational force being applied onto the second desktop of the carrel assembly, and wherein the carrel assembly transitions from the closed position to the open position in response to an upward force being applied onto the second desktop of the carrel assembly.
 9. The convertible carrel according to claim 1 further comprising a first notch formed into the first sidewall of the desk assembly and a second notch formed into the second sidewall of the desk assembly, and wherein a rear portion of the second desktop of the carrel assembly nests within the first and second notches when the carrel assembly is in the open position.
 10. The convertible carrel according to claim 9 wherein each of the first and second partition walls is in a shape of a quarter circle, and wherein the desktop assembly further comprises a front leg and a rear leg coupled to each of the first and second sidewalls, the rear legs located in alignment with the first and second notches, respectively, and wherein a first height of the rear legs is less than a second height of the front legs.
 11. The convertible carrel according to claim 1 wherein in the open position a lower edge portion of the first and second partition walls are located within the first and second slots, respectively, and wherein in the closed position an upper edge portion of the first and second partition walls are located within the first and second slots, respectively.
 12. The convertible carrel according to claim 1 wherein the carrel assembly maintains the open position or the closed position until a user imparts a force onto the carrel assembly to transition the carrel assembly from the open position to the closed position or from the closed position to the open position.
 13. A convertible carrel comprising: a desk assembly comprising a first desktop, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall, the first and second sidewalls being coupled to the first desktop; a carrel assembly comprising a second desktop, a first partition wall having a first hole, and a second partition wall having a second hole, the first and second partition walls being coupled to the second desktop; a cylindrical member coupled to the desk assembly, the cylindrical member extending between the first and second partition walls of the carrel assembly and passing through the first and second holes in the first and second partition walls; and wherein the carrel assembly is configured to rotate around the cylindrical member to transition between: (1) an open position whereby the second desktop and the first and second partition walls extend vertically upward relative to the first desktop to form a privacy barrier at least partially around the first desktop; and (2) a closed position whereby the second desktop covers the first desktop and the first and second partition walls are located below the second desktop adjacent to inner surfaces of the first and second sidewalls, respectively.
 14. The convertible carrel according to claim 13 further comprising a first slot defined between a first side edge of the first desktop and an inner surface of the first sidewall and a second slot defined between a second side edge of the first desktop and an inner surface of the second sidewall, and wherein the first partition wall passes through the first slot and the second partition wall passes through the second slot as the carrel assembly is transitioned between the open and closed positions.
 15. The convertible carrel according to claim 13 wherein the first and second partition walls are fixedly coupled to the second desktop so that the first and second partition walls cannot move or rotate relative to the second desktop, and wherein the desk assembly is fixed in position and does not move as the carrel assembly rotates around the cylindrical member to transition between the open and closed positions.
 16. The convertible carrel according to claim 13 wherein the desk assembly further comprises a rear wall that is coupled to and extends between the first and second sidewalls, and wherein the carrel assembly further comprises a stretcher beam that is coupled to and extends between the first and second partition walls, wherein the stretcher beam is located below the first desktop of the desk assembly when the carrel assembly is in both of the open and closed positions.
 17. The convertible carrel according to claim 13 wherein the desk assembly further comprises a rear wall that is coupled to and extends between the first and second sidewalls, and further comprising at least one a damping device coupled to the rear wall of the desk assembly and to one of the first and second partition walls of the carrel assembly, wherein the damping device is configured to apply a damping force as the carrel assembly transitions from the open position to the closed position and a lifting force when the carrel assembly transitions from the closed position to the open position.
 18. The convertible carrel according to claim 17 wherein the damping device is a gas spring having a push-out force and end-damping at both ends of its stroke.
 19. The convertible carrel according to claim 13 wherein each of the first and second sidewalls of the desk assembly comprises a notch, and wherein a rear portion of the second desktop nests within the notches of the first and second sidewalls when the carrel assembly is in the open position.
 20. A convertible carrel assembly comprising: a desk assembly comprising a first lower desktop, a second lower desktop, a first sidewall coupled to the first and second lower desktops, a second sidewall coupled to the first and second lower desktops, and a rear wall extending between the first and second sidewalls, each of the first and second sidewalls comprising a notch; a first carrel assembly comprising a first upper desktop, a first partition wall coupled to the first upper desktop, and a second partition wall coupled to the first upper desktop; a second carrel assembly comprising a second upper desktop, a third partition wall coupled to the second upper desktop, and a fourth partition wall coupled to the second upper desktop; wherein the first carrel assembly is configured to rotate relative to the first lower desktop to transition between: (1) an open position wherein the first lower desktop forms a first work surface and the first carrel assembly forms a privacy barrier with a rear edge of the first upper desktop nesting within the notch in the first and second sidewalls of the desk assembly; and (2) a closed position wherein the first upper desktop of the first carrel assembly forms the first work surface; and wherein the second carrel assembly is configured to rotate relative to the second lower desktop to transition between: (1) an open position wherein the second lower desktop forms a second work surface and the second carrel assembly forms a privacy barrier with a rear edge of the second upper desktop nesting within the notch in the first and second sidewalls of the desk assembly; and (2) a closed position wherein the first upper desktop forms the second work surface. 